Community policing in action at Carlton High School

Prince Albert Police, bylaw enforcement and members of the local MADD chapter outside Carlton Comprehensive High School May 18.Taylor MacPherson/paNOW Staff

Police and MADD representatives chat with students about having a safe long weekend. Taylor MacPherson/paNOW Staff

A friendly reminder can go a long way.

Prince Albert Police, bylaw officers and members of the local MADD chapter stopped by Carlton Comprehensive High School this afternoon to remind students of the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. The officers also handed out SGI’s “positive tickets” to students who showed responsible behaviours behind the wheel.

“It’s as simple as putting the seatbelt on and putting the cell phone down,” Sgt. Travis Willie said. “Leading into May Long Weekend both impaired driving and distracted driving are so important.”

Grade 9 student Parker Gallegos said he hoped his peers heed the message because high school students feel invincible and may be experimenting with drinking for the first time.

“I’ve heard people like to drink and drive just to hang out with friends. They think it’s not a problem because they don’t think it will happen to them,” Gallegos said. “Really, it can happen to anyone.”

Gallegos said drinking and driving will not be an issue for him, as his family is completely alcohol-free and he hopes to continue the trend.

Trina Cockle, president of Prince Albert MADD, said the timing of the event was perfect because of the upcoming long weekend, summer season and graduation which often coincide with spikes in impaired driving rates. Cockle said she hopes the students take the lessons to heart and pass the message on to their families and friends.

“If we can educate our youth, they’re going to take it home to their parents and hopefully there’s a snowball effect and they keep their friends safe as well,” she said.

“They’re going to be our future…We need to make sure they’re on the right path.”

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